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A New Strategy for Wildlife in a Warming World

Washington, D.C. (March 26, 2013) —Today the Obama administration released the National Fish, Wildlife and Plants Climate Adaptation Strategy, a plan for restoring wildlife habitat and improving the resilience of our natural resources in the face of climate change. It was developed through the unprecedented collaboration of federal, state and tribal representatives and is the first nationwide climate adaptation strategy devoted to wildlife and ecosystems.

The strategy consists of seven goals for helping ecosystems adapt to a changing climate with practical solutions to climate-related problems.

The following is a statement on the strategy from Defenders of Wildlife president and CEO Jamie Rappaport Clark:

“Wildlife is on the move from historic ranges, plants are blooming earlier, and whole ecosystems are being altered by climate change. We must confront this threat directly in order to help wildlife withstand climate impacts, and this science-based strategy does just that. The strategy provides guidance for modifying our conservation practices to help at-risk wildlife and ecosystems withstand climate extremes, allowing them to adapt and thrive. Along with increasing numbers of extreme weather events, this landmark review of the impacts of climate change on our natural world should serve as a wake-up call to policymakers about the need for action.

“This commonsense, ‘look before you leap’ strategy emphasizes long-term planning and management for climate change on a fundamental level. Together with efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, these measures can help protect natural places and communities alike from the consequences of our warming world.”

Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org and follow us on Twitter @DefendersNews.